HOTEL MONTREAL
RUBY FOO'S BLOG

Fall has barely begun, but it’s already time to start thinking about the Holidays! To help you get ready for the busiest time of the year, we have put together a short guide that will make planning a unique and delightful evening for you and your employees a lot more pleasant.
 
An Exquisite Meal for Every Taste 
The Holiday season is the perfect time to gather around a festive table, celebrate the year’s successes and show your employees how much you appreciate their work. The meal you serve is therefore a priority. With Hotel Ruby Foo’s Christmas Party Packages, you can enjoy a delectable four-course meal and choose the dishes that suits your tastes and preferences. Our packages also include a welcome cocktail, a selection of refined hors d’oeuvres and two glasses of wine per person. A chocolate fountain or dessert table is also available to top off your dinner. Moreover, the hotel offers an exclusive bedroom rate of $125 for a Deluxe rooms and free parking.
 
You’ll Feel Like Dancing 
Just because it’s Christmas, that doesn’t mean we have to go overboard with the classics. As they say, moderation is always in good taste—especially when Jingle Bells starts playing on repeat as soon as Halloween is over. Choose music that will make your guests want to dance and join the party. Offer a mix of styles and groups to further strengthen team spirit. Why not send out a survey a few weeks before the event and ask employees if they have any requests?
 
Lively and Varied Entertainment 
A  DJ or a host can make the difference between a memorable Christmas party and an event people can’t wait to leave. Make sure the host you choose caters to all age groups in attendance. Also, give people enough time for a relaxed meal; don’t rush them with endless games that interrupt them while they’re enjoying their meal. Effective organization is crucial for the evening to go smoothly!
 
Thoughtful Gifts 
Instead of wasting money on something that will end up being re-gifted, take the time to learn about your employees’ interests. Don’t just rely on your own tastes; this is an opportunity for you to get to know the people you work with every day. Also, offer your guests an original memento of the event. A fun photo booth, personalized wine glass or festive box of sweets can turn your Christmas party into an important tradition for your employees as opposed to just another formal event.
 
Safety First! 
Don’t forget to think of those who may overindulge. To keep your guests safe, look into a designated driver or taxi service. Better yet, have your Christmas party at Ruby Foo’s Hotel, where you can enjoy the comfortable king-size beds in our Deluxe rooms for only $125 a night. That way, you can continue celebrating worry free!
 
Contact us today to take advantage of this special offer.
 
Happy planning!

Ah, the Holiday season is upon us! Family dinners, turkey, Yule logs, office parties, shopping… It’s a lot to think about! And what do you give to someone who has everything? Before you head out to buy yet another bottle of wine, have a look at 10 original ideas that are sure to be a hit at the gift exchange.
 
For foodies…
Edible gifts are always appreciated. So why not put something different under the tree this year and give someone the opportunity to discover local delicacies? Origine boréale has a wide variety of fine herbs, spices, mustards, jams, teas and more!
 
For those who care about the environment and social justice…
Natural body care products and soaps lovingly made by a Quebec company that gives back to the community… What’s not to love? They aren’t afraid to get creative, and even have beer- and bacon-scented soaps!
 
For globetrotters…
Do you know someone who has travelled so much, you’ve lost track of where they’ve been? Get them this scratch map of the world, so they can relive their experiences and choose their next destination.
 
For coffee lovers…
No one likes it when their coffee gets cold. But when you’re at the office, it’s difficult to get to the bottom of that cup while it’s still warm without being interrupted by chatty colleagues or urgent phone calls! The USB cup warmer is the perfect solution to keep your coffee or tea nice and hot.
 
For style seekers…
Who wants another boring tie for Christmas? Instead, celebrate good taste with some colourful socks or original, attention-grabbing boxers.
 
For those who need a pick-me-up…
Not looking forward to those family reunions? Bring a little liquid courage with you in this sleek and discreet flask. Christmas comes but once a year, after all. ;)
 
For the uncoordinated…
Know someone who’s all thumbs and who trips over their own feet? Give them this unspillable mug as a gift, and make messes a thing of Christmas past.
 
For (future) athletes…
We’ve all made New Year’s resolutions to get back into shape after the holidays. Help your loved ones stay on track with workout gear: a lovely yoga mat, a skip rope, a stability ball… Hop to it! No more excuses!
 
For homebodies…
Think that candles are a lame gift? Think again! This collection inspired by Montréal’s different neighbourhoods will take you all over the city from the comfort of your own home.
 
For the sleep-deprived…
Know someone who snores like a buzz saw? We have just the gift (for their significant other): this pillow mist made with essential oils that improve breathing and help achieve quality sleep. Zzzzz…
 
Delight your friends and family with these original gift ideas. You may even upstage Santa Claus! Happy holidays everyone!

Want to escape into a romantic bubble with your sweetheart on this day of lovers? Here are a few suggestions to switch up your routine and celebrate your love with style.
 
Who doesn’t love getting pampered during a hotel getaway? You may not have time for an exotic vacation, but don’t let that stop you! Why not splurge on a memorable night at a hotel? You two don’t need to leave the city for a change of scenery. Dress up, turn off your phones, and don’t forget to hang the “Do not disturb” sign on your door. What’s more, you won’t even have to make the bed in the morning.
 
Now is the perfect time for lovers with fine palates to treat themselves to a gourmet meal and a fine bottle of wine. Tonight is not the night for slaving over a hot stove and drowning in dishes! You’ll be too busy whispering sweet nothings in each other’s ears. For a wonderfully romantic evening, head over to L’Auberge St-Gabriel and savour its excellent cuisine. After enjoying their special Valentine’s menu, you can even go for a horse-drawn carriage ride in Old Montréal!
 
Escape your hectic lives with a romantic weekend at a cottage, far away from it all. Find a babysitter and go wherever you want—just the two of you. Go skiing, snowshoeing, enjoy the fresh air, then snuggle up next to the fire. And don’t forget to bring supplies: oysters, champagne, chocolate … whatever you desire.
 
Here’s an idea for you playful types: organize a treasure hunt for your sweetie. Leave hints and surprises at all of his or her favourite spots. Want to earn brownie points? Go back to where it all began and visit the places where you met and first dated. Enjoy the memories!
 
Finally—there’s no escaping it! It’s not Valentine’s Day without chocolate. Don’t settle for some mediocre box from the drugstore; anything worth doing is worth doing well. Why don’t the two of you take a trip to chocolate heaven? A decadent dessert at Juliette & Chocolat, rich, spiced hot chocolate at Suite 88 Chocolatier, chocolates from Les chocolats de Chloé to enjoy at home… Sweet kisses are on the horizon!
 
Treat yourselves, darlings. Whatever your heart’s desire may be! ♥